The influence of cultural factors on health-seeking behaviors regarding prostate cancer among African Immigrant men in the United States.

Authors

Kaitlin Van Voorhis, Georgia College & State UniversityFollow
Ernest Kaninjing, Georgia College & State University
Rae Walker, Georgia College & State UniversityFollow
M E. Ogunsanya, University of Oklahoma
G Asiedu, Mayo Clinic, Kern Center for the Science of Health Care Delivery
A Kokayi, Mayo Clinic, Kern Center for the Science of Health Care Delivery
M E. Young, Mayo Clinic, Center for Health Equity & Community Engagement Research
F T. Odedina, May Clinic, Center for Health Equity & Community Engagement Research

Document Type

Article

Session Format

Oral presentation only (in-person)

Location

Arts and Sciences 2-75

Publication Date

2024

Faculty Advisor

Ernie Kaninjing

Start Date

27-3-2024 1:00 PM

End Date

27-3-2024 2:00 PM

Abstract

Background: African immigrants represent a rapidly growing segment of the United States immigrant population reshaping the rich diversity of US Blacks. Despite this growth, there is a dearth of research examining the impact of immigration on this subpopulation, particularly regarding chronic diseases like cancer. Little is published about whether SSAIs adapt to health behaviors more common in their new setting or remain immersed in the values, beliefs, and practices reflective of their culture of origin. To better understand drivers of health disparities in prostate cancer outcomes among Blacks, this study explored cultural factors among SSAIs to illuminate the health seeking behaviors of this population.

Methods: This qualitative study employed a grounded theory approach. Participants were purposefully recruited to reflect cultural diversity among SSAIs. In-depth interviews were conducted with 15 participants, five being prostate cancer survivors, and analyzed in NVivo 12 software.

Results: Key cultural factors identified--perception of cancer in country of birth, low priority given to preventative care in country of origin, reluctance to embrace westernized diet, perception of cancer in country of origin as a death sentence, a spiritual/religious attack, and a disease of the affluent--affected health behaviors among this population. Participants were reluctant to discuss cancer, relied on religion for healing at the expense of medical care, and sought healthcare for cure only.

Conclusion: This study illuminates key cultural factors among SSAI men that influence health seeking behaviors among this population. These factors can be addressed via culturally tailored behavioral interventions among this understudied population.

Comments

Funding Source: This study is funded by the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (1R15MD017012-01A1).

Recommended Citation

Van Voorhis, Kaitlin; Kaninjing, Ernest; Walker, Rae; Ogunsanya, M E.; Asiedu, G; Kokayi, A; Young, M E.; and Odedina, F T., "The influence of cultural factors on health-seeking behaviors regarding prostate cancer among African Immigrant men in the United States." (2024). Graduate Research Showcase. 158.
https://kb.gcsu.edu/grposters/158